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this year's venue, once again provided an ideal setting for scientific exchange.In my role as editor of Methods in Microscopy (MiM) and as a brand-new media partner, I had the opportunity to attend an FOM in Asia in person for the first time.I was impressed by the high quality of the presentations, the extensive exhibition featuring over 50 sponsors (Evident being the main one), the warm hospitality of the organizers, and the first-class catering.The bubble tea was particularly interesting and, for me, a European, it was a rather unusual culinary experience.Developed in the 1980s, the drink usually consists of black or green tea mixed with milk and sugar.What makes it special are the tapioca pearls, also known as "bubbles," which give the drink its name.The pearls provide a unique chewing experience, making bubble tea both a drink and a snack.The quality of the presentations was impressive, even if the room appeared a bit empty sometimes.This might be related to geopolitical tensions that cast a shadow over many international academic collaborations.The impact of China's recent military exercises and U.S.